Stroke

A stroke affects the arteries leading to and within the brain, and happens when a blood vessel carrying oxygen to the brain gets blocked or ruptures. A stroke may be caused by either a blood clot or fatty deposits obstructing the flow of blood to the brain (ischemic stroke), resulting in reduced blood flow to the brain, or by a blood vessel rupturing and preventing blood flow to the brain (hemorrhagic stroke) due to factors such as high blood pressure or head trauma. Meanwhile a transient ischemic stroke is a ‘warning stroke’ caused by a temporary blood clot.

Anyone can suffer from a stroke but older adults above the age of 65 are at a higher risk than others.

Recognising the Signs

A stroke is a life-threatening medical condition where every second counts. Thus it is important that you know how to recognize the signs of an impending stroke and know when to contact emergency medical services. The sooner the stroke is treated, the better your chances of lessening the severity of the long-term effects.

To recognize the warning signs of stroke, you got to think FAST.

• Face: Asking the individual to smile and noting if one side of the face droops
• Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms and check if one drifts downwards
• Speech: Look out for slurred or if they are speaking differently than usual
• Time: If you observe any of the signs above, note down the time it started and seek emergency help right away

Lowering Your Risks

You can help lower your risk of developing a stroke by making a few healthier lifestyle choices.

• Eating a healthier diet
• Keeping a healthy weight
• Quit smoking
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Keep your medical conditions under control

Complications of Stroke

A stroke may cause temporary or permanent disabilities, depending on the duration the brain lacks blood flow and which part is affected. Some complications include:

• Paralysis: You may lose control of one side of the body or certain muscles, such as on one side of your face or arm.
• Trouble talking or swallowing: A stroke may affect the muscles involved with speaking or swallowing. You may also experience trouble with understanding speech, reading or writing.
• Memory loss: Many who have had strokes experience some form of memory loss. Others may have trouble thinking, reasoning or understanding concepts.
• Pain: Pain, numbness or other feelings may happen in parts of the body affected by stroke.
• Changes in behaviour: People who have had a stroke may become more withdrawn or need help with grooming.

Knowing Stroke, Acting F.A.S.T

Stroke attacks the brain, the central human control for all bodily functions. When it happens, it changes your life in an instant and could possibly disable you permanently. Learn more about stroke, its symptoms and ways to reduce your risk factors here. 

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Understanding Heart Health: Your Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Support

The heart is one of the most important organs in the human body. Located in the chest on the left, the heart pumps blood throughout the body via the circulatory system, supplying oxygen and nutrients.

A healthy heart is essential to good health. In fact, a healthy human heart beats about 100,000 times a day, with an average adult’s heart beating about 60 to 80 times per minute.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is a term that houses all conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels.

Empowering Yourself with Knowledge

This resource provides information about heart health, including:

• Importance of Heart Health: Understand the importance of maintaining your heart health.
• Common Heart Disease: Learn about the different types of common heart diseases and their characteristics.
• Key Risk Factors: Explore various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that may leave you susceptible to heart disease.
• Ways to Improve Heart Health: Learn about lifestyle factors and preventive measures to minimize your risk of heart disease.

What is Heart Health?

Heart health is the overall well-being of your cardiovascular system, which consists of your heart and blood vessels. It encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and management of conditions that affect the heart and circulatory system, collectively known as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). A healthy heart functions to efficiently pump blood throughout your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your organs and tissues. It is important to maintain good heart health for your overall well-being and longevity.

Importance of Heart Health

• CVDs are a leading cause of death globally, making heart health crucial for overall health.
• Poor heart health can lead to various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and arrhythmias.

What Causes Heart Disease?

Heart disease is caused by a complex interplay of factors, including:

• Non-Modifiable Factors: Age, gender, ethnicity, family history, and inherited genetic mutations.
• Modifiable Factors:
  • Lifestyle: Diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
  • Health: Pre-existing conditions (i.e., diabetes), obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol

Symptoms of Heart

Disease Heart disease symptoms vary depending on the type of heart disease. However, some general signs and symptoms include:

• Chest pains
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or light-headedness

Important Note: These symptoms may also be indicative of other health conditions. Speak to our Specialists today for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Common Heart Diseases in Singapore

• Coronary Artery Disease is the most common heart disease and happens due to blockages in your coronary arteries.
• Heart Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats, which can be too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregular.
• Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, can lead to serious complications like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.
• Congenital Heart Disease are heart defects present at birth due to abnormal heart development during pregnancy.
• Heart Failure occurs when the heart muscle is weakened or damaged and can't pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs.

Improving Heart Health

Here are some helpful ways to improve your heart health: